Idilia

Idilia is a member of the Communal Bank “El Progresso” which is in the community of Independencia in the city of Santiago. She is a merchant who sells candy and beverages from a street cart, Monday through Friday. Idilia also sells jewelry from her home and on Sundays she sells olives. Saturdays are designated for buying merchandise to stock her candy business. She buys her merchandise at the central market in the city of Santiago since the prices are the most affordable.

Idilia has been in business for 20 years. She started out selling olives and condiments. This loan will be used to buy a cooler, merchandise to restock her business, and an awning for protection from the rain since the one she currently uses is in bad condition.

Her goals include selling her products from an established location, such as a kiosk, but she first needs to obtain a permit. She also hopes that her business will prosper by adding handicrafts made of clay to her inventory. Idilia is motivated to continue with her business and include new products. The income she earns enables her to cover her household expenses. She lives with her daughter, son-in-law, and three grandchildren. Her goals on a personal level are to achieve a more stable socioeconomic situation and to live a more comfortable life.

Idilia is very grateful for the loan provided by Fondo Esperanza because the funds allow her to invest in her business and generate more income. She says the Communal Bank meetings are very pleasant and have enabled her to form friendships with the other group members. Idilia also has incorporated into her business the sales techniques she learned from the meetings. She also tracks her expenses, income, and the quoted prices of her purchases.

Independencia is one of the 34 communities that make of the city of Santiago, the Chilean capital. It is located in the north-central section. Independencia emerged in the late nineteenth century as a traditional section of the city. The main street is Independencia Avenue, which crosses the old Inca Trail, the gateway to the north in the city of Santiago. Given its large indigenous population, Independencia is known as the “Indigenous Cultural Center” of Chile. There are also important historical buildings, including six Chilean landmarks.

Additional Information

About Fondo Esperanza

Fondo Esperanza (FE) is a private non-profit organization that supports entrepreneurship by providing micro-credit and training to people living in poverty in well over 100 cities throughout Chile. By providing these services, FE aims to improve the living conditions of the entrepreneurs and their families. In 2010, FE provided loans to more than 41,000 entrepreneurs. It utilizes a communal banking model in which groups of 18 to 25 clients meet on regularly and guarantee each other’s loans. The members use their portion of the loan to create or expand their own businesses. In the group meetings, clients receive training though the FE Entrepreneurship School, which enhances clients’ personal and business skills and ability to work in groups.